The proposal would not increase property taxes. “The bottom line, so to speak, is that this would not be an increase in the current millage,” Gusman said at the meeting.

Instead, the proposal would reallocate money that is already collected. Under current law, this tax can be used only to pay off bonds for new jail construction — most of which is covered by FEMA — and capital expenses of other Orleans Parish law-enforcement agencies.

According to Gusman’s bond counsel Grant Schlueter, the 2.9 mill tax is expected to generate about $9 million next year, when the proposal would take effect.

After subtracting the amount needed for the Sheriff’s Office’s outstanding debt, up to $5 million could go to jail operations, Schlueter said.

Charles Maldonado covers the city of New Orleans and other local government bodies. He previously worked for Gambit, New Orleans’ alternative newsweekly, where he covered city hall, criminal justice and public health. Before moving to New Orleans, he covered state and local government for weekly papers in Nashville and Knoxville, Tenn.